Dramatic ruffles, bold shapes and shoulder-baring styles have not only defined Johanna Ortiz’s work, but dominated current fashion in recent seasons, and her now familiar, hyper-feminine silhouettes have garnered fans across the globe. However, last week in Paris the designer presented a collection that not only showed a much tougher side to her aesthetic, but also included a significant tally of outerwear, something that has not featured prominently in her collections in the past, given her own experience of warm winters back in Cali in her native Colombia.
The shift in direction was prompted in part by the discovery of military decorations that belonged to her late grandfather, who once served as a cavalry general in the Colombian army. So, shown alongside her signature fun and flirty pieces was a selection of coats and cover-ups with military and gaucho tones, the introduction of tailored pieces providing a distinct play on contrasts.
This opposites-attract approach was also evident in the choice of fabrics, and in the styling. For example, a tailored Prince of Wales check two-piece was finished with a floral lining, and Western-style shirts were paired with mid-length metallic skirts.
Each wrapped in one of the designer's AW18 robes, Carmen caught up with fellow Latina Johanna Ortiz in Paris.
Despite this new stricter sense of direction, the collection still included plenty of feminine elements, which will undoubtedly please Ortiz's loyal customers. Floaty, floor-sweeping dresses and loungewear-inspired pyjamas and robes were among the pieces that featured alongside her signature ruffled and cold-shoulder tops.
Look Book Photos: vogue.com
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